Can You Trust Mechanics?

One of the most nerve-wracking things is sitting in the customer lounge waiting to hear the expenses your car is going to cost you. Wondering if your mechanic is going to overcharge you is a vulnerable feeling – especially if you don’t know anything about cars. It can feel like you’re in the dark about what a reasonable price to pay for a repair would be.

Don’t fret, car repairs don’t have to be such a dramatic feeling of anxiousness. If you are prepared before you go in with a little bit of knowledge and negotiating tactics, you can get a car repair you feel confident about.

Car repair tips:

• If your car is under warranty, go to the dealer for repairs.
• If your car isn’t under warranty, find a good independent mechanic. There’s a high chance you’ll have a more pleasant experience than going to big chains or dealerships.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate and haggle for the right price! (This works better at independent mechanics)
• Build a connection with a good mechanic over time rather than searching around for the cheapest price (cheap DOESN’T mean quality)
• Ask friends, family and co workers for trusted mechanics if you haven’t found one yet. Do your research before taking your car to a random car repair shop.

Now that you have some tips to take with you when you go to get your car repaired, let’s take a look at the best repair shop strategies. While none of these points are fool proof, they can definitely help you save money and get a quality repair job done.

Compare pricing – don’t be afraid to ask the mechanic what parts they will be suing. Those from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can be the most expensive, but you can save money by using OEM-equivalent parts. Understand the warranty terms for those parts.

Get it fixed right the first time – if you want to save money on your repairs, have your car repaired right the first time by a trustworthy and quality mechanic. Don’t be afraid to spend more money on quality parts rather than buying cheap parts and having to replace them later.

Shop around – you should do research before making any big purchase, and car repairs need to be treated the same way.

Use online tools – there are websites that can help you figure out what most repairs should cost. All you have to do is plug in your vehicles year, make and model, and ZIP code. The estimator will give you a price range and a list of certified shops that will honor that estimate. Certified shops are required to offer at least a 12-month/12,000-mile repair warranty.

Follow your owner’s manual – if you stick true to your owners manual, you can bet that you car will last many miles with few problems. Take care of your car, and your car will take care of you. And that means giving it what it needs.

Remember, don’t neglect your research, and don’t neglect asking for discounts – find a trustworthy mechanic and you can ensure your car will be taken care of.

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